The grey clouds in the midnight sky sobbed pouring rain, lightening ripped through the heavens, lighting up the moon-hidden and star-less drear and thunder rumbled like a great beast. The strong winds ran its icy talons through the teenage girl's long wet black mangled hair, billowing out behind her, lost in the darkness of the deserted streets. She walked along, splashing through the deep muddy puddles that tried to swallow her.

Goosebumps rippled up her arms and back. Her baggy clothes clung to her thin pale body from sweat and rain-tears. Gulps of air turned to ice in her throat. Her vision was blurred by rain and mist. The girl walked on, fighting blindly through the storm.

Suddenly a shadow loomed over her, shielding her from the storm. Startled, the girl looked up to see that she was being sheltered by a bright yellow umbrella. But what startled her more was the owner of this umbrella,

'Now, that's much better, isn't it?' He said, grinning at her, showing a mouthful of gleaming pointed teeth. 'I'm Rictus, by the way.'